Annie Hall




I guess we keep going through it because most of us ... need the eggs.

There are few who doubt that this is Woody Allen's best. Annie Hall plays Woody's formula down to the letter and is all the better for it. It follows the relationship between Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), a neurotic and pessimistic comedian, and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), a quirky and carefree girl from the Midwest.

Woody offers a script that is full of world weary wit. Alvy offers a constant stream of jokes, which contain more than a few classic one-liners. While the subject matter is more often than not dour, a fresh twist is often put on it when the film dares to do something unconventional, like having Alvy address the camera. He's allowed to do that since this is his story. And while this story has a lot of the real Woody Allen in it, it isn't afraid to veer off into the absurd (for instance, Alvy was raised under a roller coaster). Regardless, it all works to full effect, undeniably making this one of the funniest films of all time. Cameos from the likes of Jeff Goldblum and Christopher Walken also add to the variety.

But the humor is always tinged with Alvy's depressing outlook. And where would a romantic comedy be without the romance? It is quite a roller coaster ride following Alvy and Annie through their ups and downs. The characters are written with an edge of authenticity and a slew of oddities. They're a perfect mismatch and seem to be made for each other, but as things wear on it becomes unclear whether they'll make it or not. But even with Alvy's opening speech the audience hopes that things will turn out. The characters are so lovable even despite their well laid out negatives.

Allen and Keaton are extraordinary. There's no getting around that. Their chemistry is what makes this movie so real, even when it seems to be trying at the exact opposite. They are certainly one of the most memorable couples to ever grace the silver screen.

No other film has ever delivered this kind of poignant humor. It manages to touch on so many diverse subjects and tie them together into a very human story. This is one of the greats that will stick with you.



-The Gnome